MORE milk from Devon farms will be processed locally and as such this will be a major, long-term boost for the future of dairy farming and processing in the county following a new deal.

The Boards of Crediton Dairy Limited, one of the UK's leading dairy drinks businesses and Torridge Vale Limited, the Devon dairy farmer co-operative, are pleased to announce that they have entered into an assignment agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, a total of 25 Torridge Vale co-operative members and direct supply farmers will transfer their milk supply contracts to Crediton Dairy.

The transferring farmers will supply in the region of 35 million litres of milk per annum to Crediton Dairy which produces a range of flavoured, functional and fortified milk drinks and long-life milks and creams, including the "Moo" brand and the brand licences for "Flora pro activ", Mars and Galaxy milks.

On behalf of Crediton Dairy, Torridge Vale will continue to manage the collection and testing of the milk from these farms.

Commenting on the agreement, Tim Smiddy, Managing Director of Crediton Dairy said: "We are delighted to welcome this new group of farmers to our growing Crediton Dairy Supply Group.

"We are committed to providing local farmers with a secure and sustainable home for their milk by processing it into value added products and we look forward to working closely with them.

"Today's agreement means that more milk from Devon farms will be processed locally and as such this will be a major, long-term boost for the future of dairy farming and processing in the county."

Nick Rogers, Managing Director of Torridge Vale said: "The agreement with Crediton Dairy is a positive development for both Torridge Vale and those farmers transferring across.

"It means that we will continue to be a major haulier of milk, whilst the farmers moving to Crediton Dairy will benefit from being able to supply an established and growing dairy processor."